Student-Athlete Alumna Learns Discipline, Hard Work

Ifeatu Okafor was recently named the NCAA Woman of the Year.

Okafor was recently named the NCAA Woman of the Year.

For Texas Tech University alumna Ifeatu Okafor the key to success was simple: staying
focused.

Okafor said when she encountered something that was not helping her excel, she’d push
it to the side so she could continue moving forward. Her progress reached a pinnacle
when she was recently named the NCAA Woman of the Year at a ceremony in Indianapolis. Okafor is the first woman from the Big 12 Conference
to win the honor.

“It is extremely humbling,” said Okafor, an All-American shotput thrower. “They had
amazing girls to choose from. I am very grateful to all of the people who helped me
get to where I am today.”

Okafor was selected from nine finalists representing NCAA Division I, II and III for
her achievements in athletics, academics, leadership and community service. More than
450 student-athletes originally were nominated for the award.

At Texas Tech she learned time management and how to persevere through obstacles,
all of which built her character. Okafor graduated with honors in Exercise and Sports Sciences in May 2012 and then continued her education and earned a second bachelor’s degree
in Human Sciences in May 2013. She currently is attending physician assistant school
at UT-Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

“As soon as I got to Texas Tech my freshman year, I knew I wanted to go to physician
assistant school,” Okafor said. “I knew what the requirements were and I knew what
it would take. I also knew what it would take to become a great athlete, so I set
my goals so that in everything I did, I was moving toward success.”

Okafor was selected for her achievements in athletics, academics, leadership and community
service.

While competing, she earned the Dr. Gerald Lage Award presented by the Big 12 Conference
in 2012, which is the highest academic recognition given by the conference. She also
was a finalist for the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar award in 2013, a four-time Academic
All-Big 12 selection and received all-academic honors from the U.S. Track and Field
and Cross-Country Coaches Association.

Her collegiate success was aided by her professors and the Marsha Sharp Center for Student-Athletes, which provides necessary resources for student-athletes to achieve their academic
potential and prepare them for life after college.

Okafor said her professors were willing to help and understanding when she had to
miss classes to travel to athletic events. Texas Tech faculty, staff and administration
went above and beyond to make sure she was doing well, she said.

“Texas Tech helped make me who I am today and I will never forget that,” Okafor said.
“The struggles I experienced, situations I overcame at Texas Tech helped develop my
character. I can now apply these characteristics to my everyday life.”

Getting to Know
Ifeatu Okafor

There are so many good memories: winning conference in 2011; beating Texas in football
in 2008 and rushing the field, which was my first college football game.

Why did you choose to come to Texas Tech?

Texas Tech has a history of great throwers, including Jason Young who is a professional
discus thrower. He was the strength coach and assistant with training. My older sister
Nkeonye also attended Texas Tech.

Everything that we stand for and represent. Honor, commitment and fearlessness!

What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

Hopeful.

What is your favorite Texas Tech memorabilia or article of clothing?

My conference championship ring.

What advice would you give to current Texas Tech students?

Take advantage of every opportunity placed before you. Be committed, consistent, and
give your all in all that you do. Never give up, never lose faith, always be hopeful,
and endure in every circumstance.